Late Pat Andai McNeilis: The death of pat Andai McNeils which occurred at his home in Middletown, Derrybeg on Thursday 25th November caused deep regret over a very wide area. Aged 72 years he was son of the late Andai and Gracie McNeilis, Middletown. He spent many years working with the ESB and he retired a number of years ago. Pat was a multi talented individual who could turn his hand at any task. Following his retirement he worked with his brother in law, Feda O Domhnaill, Rann na Feirste, and he helped with carrying out repair works and services to his buses. He was also an expert at repairing central heating problems and his expertise in this field was very much in demand. He paid frequent visits to Tory Ireland and he always helped the islanders with repair works to home appliances, engines etc. The esteem he was held there was reflected with a number of inhabitants of the island travelling to attend both his wake and funeral. Pat played football with the Gaoth Dobhair team during the 50's and 60's.

He played in the goal Keeping position and he was a member of the 1961 Gaoth Dobhair team who defeated old rivals Dungloe with the score line 2-5 to 0-6 in the County Championship at the O'Donnell Park, Letterkenny. He also served as a sub on a number of occasions on the county team. It was only fitting that his green jersey worn during his football career was one of the gifts brought to the altar. Past and present members of the Gaoth Dobhair team provided a guard of honour on the day of his funeral. There was a constant stream of mourners to his home throughout his wake, which was a very clear reflection of the high esteem in which the deceased and his family are held. There was also a very large and representative attendance at his funeral which took place to Magheragallon Cemetery on Saturday 27th November.

The main celebrant was An Dr. Oirmh. Padraig O'Baoighill, Sagart Paroiste Ghaoth Dobhair and con celebrants were, Fr. Sean O Gallchoir, P.P., Gortahork, Fr. Donnchadh O Baoill, C.C., Cnoc Fola, and Fr. Paul Gallagher, C.C., Derrybeg. The soloist was Brid Mhicgiolla Bhride, his daughter, Sinead played the flute, while patsy and Bertie McCabe played the organ and the accordian. The pupils of Scoil Mhuire, Derrybeg, at which his daughter, Sinead teaches, sang during the mass. Following the mass he was laid to rest in Mageragallon in a plot alongside his wife, Sile.

Predeceased by his parents, Andai and Gracie, his wife, Sile, brothers, Sean and Eamonn, sister Peggy McNeilis, he is survived by his son, Andrew, (Ard na gCeapairi), two daughters, Roisin Mhic Giolla Chomhaill and her husband, Brian, (Ard na gCeapairi), grandchildren, in law's, family circle, relatives and friends, to all of whom deep sympathy is extended.

Donegal Democrat 9/12/10 Tweet

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